What's Changing
Italy is now listed as recognising the UK Blue Badge. The Department for Transport (DfT) added it to its guidance on using a Blue Badge in Europe on 28 October 2026.
It's the latest in a run of updates. The guidance logged France as recognising the UK badge on 8 August 2025, and Spain on 10 September 2025. In Spain, recognition is decided by local administrations, so check local rules before you park.
The guidance says you can use your UK Blue Badge in some European countries, not all of them. Some entries are worth a closer look:
- Slovenia may not recognise parking cards issued outside the EU
- Lithuania accepts non-EU parking cards in some regions only
- Bulgaria shows no information
- Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg and Romania are listed as accepting non-EU parking cards, rather than a plain yes
When It Starts And Who It Affects
Italy appeared on the DfT list on 28 October 2026. The change affects UK Blue Badge holders travelling in Italy.
Recognition doesn't mean the rules are the same everywhere. Even in countries that recognise the badge, parking rules can vary in different parts of the country. Some countries may also ask you to display a local parking notice as well as your Blue Badge.
In Denmark and Switzerland, you must use a parking disc (a clock) if you're using parking time concessions.
What It Means For Your Car Insurance
The DfT guidance is about parking. It doesn't cover motor insurance, and having your badge recognised abroad isn't the same as having cover abroad.
All UK vehicle insurance gives you the minimum third party cover to drive in the EU, plus countries including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You don't need a green card for those countries, but you still need valid vehicle insurance.
Third party is only the minimum. Check with your insurer whether your policy has extra cover for things like theft of, or damage to, your car abroad. If you hold a badge, here's more on car insurance for Blue Badge holders.
What To Do Now
Before you travel, work through the checklist below. The DfT says to check whether a country recognises the UK Blue Badge before you visit, and to check the local parking rules of the place you want to use it before you park.
Before You Use Your Blue Badge Abroad
From the DfT and GOV.UK guidance, checked 29 October 2026.
Before You Go
- Check the country recognises the UK Blue Badge
- Check the local parking rules where you plan to park
- Ask your insurer if your policy has extra cover for theft or damage abroad
Take With You
- Your Blue Badge
- Any local parking notice the country needs
- A parking disc (clock) in Denmark or Switzerland, if using parking time concessions
- Supporting documents, such as a doctor's note or a translation of your badge
- Your log book (V5C) and insurance certificate, if it's your own car
Parking rules can vary within a country and may change. Always check the local rules before you park.
If you're driving your own car, take your log book (V5C) and your insurance certificate with you. If you'd like more than the minimum cover, see European cover for your car insurance.
You can compare Blue Badge car insurance quotes when you're ready.
FAQs
Can I Use My UK Blue Badge In Italy?
Yes. Italy is listed as recognising the UK Blue Badge in DfT guidance updated on 28 October 2026. Parking rules can still vary in different parts of a country, so check the local rules before you park.
Does Every European Country Accept The UK Blue Badge?
No. The guidance says you can use it in some European countries. Slovenia may not recognise non-EU parking cards, Lithuania accepts them in some regions only, and Bulgaria shows no information.
Does My UK Car Insurance Cover Me In Europe?
Partly. All UK vehicle insurance gives the minimum third party cover to drive in the EU and some other countries, including Norway and Switzerland. Check with your insurer whether your policy also covers theft or damage abroad.
